Arnold pens new A‑League deal at Mariners

Coach Graham Arnold will stay with the Central Coast Mariners until the end of the 2015/16 campaign.

Advertisement

Reigning A-League champions the Central Coast have managed to hang on to their sought-after coach Graham Arnold, with the mentor penning a new deal with the club on Friday.

Arnold, who is contracted to the Mariners until the end of this upcoming season, signed an extension that will tie him to the club until the end of the 2015/16 campaign.

The 50-year-old has been at the helm since 2010, guiding the club to a minor premiership and a championship in that time.

Arnold, who has openly expressed the desire to coach overseas, had been linked with moves to English League One club Sheffield United and Chinese Super League outfit Guangzhou R&F in recent months, but the Mariners have managed to ensure his services for the foreseeable future.

Arnold says he began a three-year plan in 2010 aimed at turning the Mariners into a production line of local talent and while he is pleased with the success he has achieved so far, he believes the job is not yet done.

"That three-year plan culminated in our grand final win last season, and the departure of an exciting batch of bright young players to overseas clubs. I am extremely proud of the boys we've developed and are now playing abroad," Arnold said in a statement.

"Now I am excited by the challenge to continue to be successful in the A-League and AFC Champions League while we groom more future Australian national teams representatives."

Arnold said his ambition to coach overseas has not changed, however he will only depart the Mariners when the right opportunity presents itself.

"At some point I do want to test myself abroad and implement what I have learnt throughout my coaching career at the highest level possible," he said.

"But right now there is no other club that offers me the chance to work in such a positive environment with a great group of players and staff."